Tips for handling the heat

[GrahamG]

Take it easy! I like to wear a wet cap, also I find that keeping the head covered and wearing sunglasses really helps in terms of fatigue.

 

[yello]

Well, I discovered how French riders handle the heat.... they don't ride!

I turned up for the club ride at the alloted time and place... and waited.... and waited...... and waited. Nobody showed! I'm stunned. A normal summer's day ride can have 12 or 15 riders. A winter ride will maybe have half that number. I've ridden with 2 others in torrential rain. Normally, somebody shows. Not today!

So I did 60km on my own. It was hot but I made the most of shade and found what little breeze there was was made more so when I rode. It was actually almost pleasant... almost. Until I stopped and the sweat would just flow!

Oh, and I nearly arsed off. Coming round a bend, the front slid... on melted tar! Never had that happen before so something new came of today!

 

[jiggerypokery]

Have only seen pro triathletes doing this as ice is available at the aid stations - loose gloves with wrist closure filled with ice. The ice being in direct contact with the most obviously exposed veins causes cooling.

Look at the Garmin Slipstream site, there's a whole bunch of stuff on cooling there.

 

[Randochap]

Just got in from the Canada Day festivities. Sweating in my top floor office -- fan at one end, open windows on the other. I guess riding fast has a similar effect! But I don't have any fans.

 

[jimboalee]

Did a 100km AUK DIY yesterday.

Avg ambient was 22.5. Peak ambient 25.5.

Increased fluid intake to suit. No problems.

 

[simonjlewis]

Nuun tablets are great. They really help. They make water isotonic. I also use them with High5 4:1 as it doesn't have electrolytes.

I have just bought myself a Buff coolmax headband to stop the sweat dripping into my eyes. I look like a fat ninja.

 

[John the Monkey]

I've started wearing my buff bandana style to stop sweat going in my eyes.

It works, but I look like the world's crappest pirate.

 

[yello]

I ordered some Nunns (no sense of humour eh Jimbo ) yesterday and a Cobber neck wrap the day before.... that's sure to make the weather change!

 

[I am Spartacus]

Myprotein.. electrolyte powder £3.50 makes about 125 servings... sorted ...cheap

 

[Blonde]

Having just spent a week in the Alps cycling everyday in temps of nearly 30 deg C I'd recommend a lot of hydration ie empty at least a bidon per climb (we averaged 2-3 on the Iseran and Madeleine) and use Nuun or Zym to prevent cramps

 

[Randochap]

Here's a few more tips.